SOCIETY OF MUSICIANS.

Auckland Star, Issue 111, 13 May 1935, Page 3

SOCIETY OF MUSICIANS.

" MENDELSSOHN » CONCERT.

A programme consisting entirely of compositions by Mendelssohn was presented by members of the Society of Musicians before a very good attendance or music lovers in the Lewis Eady Hall yesterday afternoon. The concert opened with the composer's melodious Trio in D Minor (Op. 49), played by Miss Helen Gray (violin). Miss Lalla Hemus ('cello) and Mr. Eric Waters (piano). This was given a very even performance, the work of Mr. Waters in the exacting piano part being especially good. Although handicapped by a severe cold Mr. Len Barnes gave a feeling interpretation of the alia "It is Enough" ("Elijah"), for which the 'cello obligato was well played by Miss Lalla Hemus. The baritone also sang two songs, "Bv Celia's Arbour" and "Returning," both being given with artistic expression. Mrs. Mary Totvsey sang tastefully a group of three lieder, "On Wings of Song,'' "Greeting" and "The Falcon," the lastnamed being outstanding. Considerable pianistic ability was shown by Mrs. Madoleine Wilcox in Liszt's showy, but difficult arrangement of "Wedding March and Dance of the Elves" (from "Midsummer Night's Dream"). Madame Aileen Johns gave a declamatory rendition of the aria "Hear ye Israel" ("Elijah"), to which a string and piano accompaniment was played by the Misses Gray, Arlington, Stevenson, Clarkson and O'Leary. The programme was brought to a close by the performance of the 'cello and piano Sonata in D (Op. 08), in which the players were Miss Jean Clarkson ('cello), and Miss Kathleen O'Leary (piano), who combined well to give a sympathetic and evenly balanced rendition, the middle movement being particularly good. The piano accompaniments to the songs were played by Miss O'Leary and Mr. Waters, both of whom displayed their usual artistic taste.